Military
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT
By: Our Reporter
A team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A.
The meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the 2 already procured by the NAF.
While in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company. He also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.
In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.
The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.
As part of the visit, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features. Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.
On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.
The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimization of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Ends
Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade have neutralised a suspected intruder during a perimeter patrol in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on June 20 at Ngamdu, where troops were conducting routine security patrols around a military location.
The sources stated that the troops sighted a female intruder approaching the defensive perimeter of the position.
The suspect was subsequently neutralised near the parapet during the operation.
Military authorities said the patrol was completed successfully without any further security incident.
Ngamdu, located along a strategic corridor in Kaga Local Government Area, has remained an area of security interest due to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to maintain surveillance and conduct routine patrols aimed at preventing attacks and safeguarding military positions and surrounding communities.
Troops Neutralise Intruder Near Military Position in Borno
Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Two teenage girls believed to be family members of ISWAP terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources disclosed that the girls, identified as Tata Ahmodu, 16, and Adama Abubakar, 14, surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on June 19 to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at Forward Operating Base Pulka.
According to preliminary findings, the teenagers escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Jongo area around the Dure general area within the Sambisa Forest axis.
The escapees reportedly told troops that sustained military pressure and lack of basic necessities within the camp contributed to their decision to flee the terrorist enclave.
Following their surrender, the girls were screened, documented and taken into custody by military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
Security officials said the development reflects ongoing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East, which continues to yield defections, surrenders and rescues of vulnerable persons.
They added that efforts are ongoing to sustain operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring normalcy in affected communities.
Two Teenage ISWAP Family Members Surrender to Troops in Borno
Troops Repel Bandits Attack in Kaduna Community, One Civilian Killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 7 (Sub-Sector 71) Sanga under Operation Enduring Peace have repelled an attack by bandits on Ungwan Goma community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Military sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on June 20 when troops responded to reports of an attack by unidentified gunmen on the community.
According to the sources, the troops, in collaboration with local youths, engaged the attackers and successfully repelled the assault, forcing the gunmen to withdraw.
However, during the confrontation, one civilian, identified as Mr. Yahaya Danladi, was killed.
The body of the deceased was handed over to Keystone Gwantu for necessary action.
Military authorities said troops have since intensified domination patrols and offensive operations within the general area to track down and possibly apprehend or neutralise the fleeing attackers.
They added that efforts are ongoing to restore calm and prevent further incidents in the affected community.
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